Elaine Johnston is the swimming coach at Strathallan and will be former pupil Duncan Scott’s biggest supporter as he competes at Rio 2016.

As 19-year-old Duncan competes in the 4x100m individual freestyle, 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relay events, Elaine will be keeping a proud and watchful eye on his progress. A swimmer herself who competed at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Elaine knows better than anyone what it takes to get to the top of the sport.

She said: "Duncan was just 12 when he first arrived at Strathallan and, from the minute he stepped into the pool, I knew he’d go far.

"He had a natural feel for the water and was terrific on all four strokes. Also he was fully committed and was always looking for how he could develop and be better.”

Joining the Perthshire independent school for his secondary school years proved to be a turning point for Duncan, as Strathallan enabled the teenager to pursue his passion for swimming with the support of Elaine and the wider teaching staff.

She said: "At Strathallan, we pride ourselves on offering all pupils the opportunity to excel in whatever they love to do and with Duncan, it was always swimming, although he was excellent at lots of sports. Teachers were aware that Duncan was very dedicated to his swimming and sometimes had to miss classes to compete in events, so they would offer extra help to him so he could stay on top of his class work.

“He was one of a group of pupils that trained in the pool, so he participated in sessions that catered for all, but, in order to keep progressing, we added in extra sessions and adapted the programme to give him the chance to really progress and develop his technique.”

Elaine knew Duncan was destined for great things when he competed in the European Youth Olympics in 2013 and, aged just 16, won the gold in the 200m freestyle.

She said: "That was a real turning point for Duncan and for everyone involved in his development. Duncan became one to watch and this led on to him winning a silver medal in the 4x200m freestyle in 2014 at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

"This was an incredibly special moment, especially with it being at home and I was delighted to be there to see it. That win reminded me of my experiences at the commonwealth games in 1986 and I knew Duncan would harness that experience to go for Rio.”

Now, with Duncan just days away from competing in his first Olympics, Elaine knows Duncan will be well prepared and focused as he arrives in Rio.

“Duncan will be working really hard training. He’ll likely be getting up early to eat breakfast and fuel up before getting into the pool to train.

"When he was at school he would swim around 50,000 metres per week on top of strength and condition training as well as the sessions involved in Higher PE. His training will be even more intense than that, but I know he will be fully committed and thriving.

"Duncan’s attitude was outstanding and I know he’ll be travelling to Rio feeling focused and race ready.”

Joining Strathallan in 2003, Dundee-born Elaine has worked closely, particularly with the school’s head of sport, Audrey Sime, to develop an exceptional swimming training programme.

“The facilities at Strathallan are outstanding and enable our swimming pupils to have the best opportunity to excel in the sport. Duncan’s story has also inspired many of our current swimmers. There is no greater inspiration than seeing people who were once pupils just like them reach the Olympics. We will all be rooting for Duncan.”

To find out more about Strathallan or to arrange a visit, go to strathallan.co.uk